How to Create a Book Cover in Microsoft Publisher

Publishers will tell you that creating an inviting book cover is one of the key components in selling a book. Graphic designers will convince you this is a laborious process and charge high hourly rates to create one. The simple fact is, with a desktop publishing program such as Microsoft Publisher, you can experiment with different designs and concepts and make your own book cover with very little investment other than your time.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Publisher. Under "File," select "New File." A screen will pop up with various templates.

2. Select "Blank Publication." A new page will open with a blank sheet ready for creation.

3. Select "Edit" from the menu bar and choose "File Size." Enter in the size of your final product. Remember to add the 1/8-inch bleed that printers use to make sure the print is on the entire sheet.

4. Select "Insert Picture" from the Tools menu. Browse for the location of the background photo you want to use and select it. The image should show up on the blank page.

5. Click the picture to edit its size. A box frame will appear; make the picture larger or smaller by moving the cursor over the edge of the frame and clicking and holding while dragging the picture to the size you want.

6. On the right, select the Text tool from the Toolbox menu.

7. Drag the text box over the area you wish to type the title in. Type in the title and adjust with text editing tools to change font size, color and style.

8. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for author's name and any other information needed on the cover.

9. Save the file and send to the printer as a text file or a pdf file.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't keep any pertinent information within the bleed as it will be cut off in the final printing.